Aprimoramento da atuação do Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Pará no fomento ao controle social e ao exercício da democracia deliberativa

Abstract

This study analyzes the role of the Court of Accounts of the State of Pará (TCE-PA) in strengthening social control as a mechanism for the exercise of deliberative democracy. It is based on the understanding that citizen participation in monitoring public administration contributes to the improvement of democratic governance, the expansion of transparency, and the development of more responsive public policies. The proposal includes the elaboration of a regulatory project aimed at creating an institutional program that systematizes and expands the actions undertaken by the TCE-PA to promote public participation, with a focus on bridging the gap between the oversight body and civil society. The research assumes that consolidating social control within courts of accounts requires strengthening institutional mechanisms geared towards public listening, civic education, and deliberative engagement. Within this context, the study seeks to answer the following question: how does the TCE-PA act to strengthen the regulation and promotion of social control from the perspective of deliberative democracy, considering possible improvements in its institutional design, routines, and projects to enhance its performance in this area? A qualitative methodology was employed, based on documentary and bibliographic analysis, including legislation, institutional reports, academic publications, and experiences from other courts of accounts that have implemented similar practices. The findings reveal that although the TCE-PA has undertaken pedagogical and collaborative actions, they still lack specific regulation, systematic coordination, and broader territorial outreach. Comparisons with practices from institutions such as the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU), the Court of Accounts of Mato Grosso (TCE-MT), and the Municipal Court of Accounts of São Paulo (TCM-SP) highlight viable opportunities for expanding participatory mechanisms in the Pará context. In conclusion, the study proposes the establishment of the “Nossa Gente Cidadã” Social Control Program, including its own regulatory draft, encompassing educational initiatives, permanent participation channels, and strategies for the territorialization of social control—measures deemed necessary to consolidate the TCE-PA’s pedagogical role and contribute to a more democratic, transparent, and effective public administration.